Mumbai: Activists and Buddhist groups held a strong protest in Mumbai on [date], demanding amendments to the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949. Demonstrators gathered outside [location] to voice their concerns, arguing that the current law undermines the rights of Buddhists in managing the sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Protesters claimed that the existing act gives excessive control to the Hindu-dominated temple committee, sidelining Buddhist representatives despite the site’s significance as the place of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. They called for legal reforms to ensure fair representation and autonomy for Buddhists in the temple’s administration.
Leaders at the rally warned of escalating protests if the government fails to address their demands. The demonstration remained peaceful, with participants holding placards and chanting slogans urging justice for Buddhist rights.
The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts pilgrims and tourists worldwide. The ongoing dispute over its management has sparked debates on religious inclusivity and heritage laws in India.
Authorities have yet to respond to the protesters’ demands, but the movement is gaining attention, with supporters planning similar rallies in other cities.
*(Source: Mid-Day Hindi, adapted for English audience)*
